For the second year in a row, HSBC Bermuda has teamed up with the Coalition for the Protection of Children, through their successful ‘Toys for Tots’ campaign, to deliver holiday cheer for families in financial difficulty.
Between Tuesday November 5 and Friday November 29 people are invited to donate new toys for children aged between 0 – 16, vouchers for children’s clothing, school uniforms, utilities such as BELCO, or groceries and new items for infants such as diapers, toiletries or clothing. Donations can be dropped off at all HSBC branches (excluding Compass Point), Annex Toys/Phoenix Kids, People’s Pharmacy, Price Rite (both locations), Arnold’s Discount Warehouse, Marketplace and Gorham’s Ltd.
“Toys for Tots is now in its 17th year and the support from Bermuda’s community continues to be overwhelming,” says Kelly Hunt, Executive Director of the Coalition for the Protection of Children. “Christmas can be a very difficult time for those who are struggling to make ends meet and each year people are extremely generous. In 2018 we were able to give over 2,000 gifts to children who might otherwise go without.
“We have received so much support over the years and we are grateful to everyone who has helped us to help others. I am particularly grateful to HSBC who not only co-ordinate all the donations but whose staff also give up their time to wrap and sort all the gifts, making sure the right present goes to the right child. They also help with our Christmas hampers and fund our annual Christmas party.”
On 8 December, the Coalition for the Protection of Children will host their annual Christmas party for all their clients and clients’ families. It is here that everyone can celebrate with food, games and face painting, and this is where the gifts are given.
Closer to Christmas, the Coalition distributes 150 hampers containing food and vouchers for a full Christmas meal, which is also put together with help from HSBC and the bank’s employees.
“It is vitally important to us that we support our community’s young people and their families, particularly at a time when many of us partake in the joys of giving and receiving,” says Joanna Saldok, HSBC COO and Executive Sponsor of the Toys for Tots community appeal. “We humbly recognise that many families in Bermuda are not as fortunate as us and financial hardship is particularly apparent during the holiday season. We are therefore proud to support such an important campaign that brings joy, hope and help to those who need it most on our island.
“We are also proud to work with so many other local businesses who support this programme by providing the space for people to donate gifts and other essential items, as well as donating to the campaign themselves.”
While the deadline for toy donations is November 29, the Coalition welcomes all other donations, particularly items of necessity, at any time so they can help families who need it outside of the holiday period. Financial donations for example are used to support the charity’s Breakfast Programme and the provision of educational support services for young people.
